By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 6:Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today urged Amanah Saham Sarawak (ASSAR) to incorporate a dedicated savings function into SPay Global to enable rural communities to make small, regular savings digitally and cultivate a stronger culture of saving across the State.
Abang Johari said the integration would allow rural residents to accumulate savings conveniently through Sarawak’s home-grown e-wallet, even with contributions as low as RM10 or RM20 per month.
“This is about innovation and inclusion. Once our digital infrastructure is in place, rural communities should be able to save easily just by clicking the ASSAR function on SPay Global. Over time, these small amounts will grow into meaningful savings,” he said when addressing the ASSAR Interim Dividend Announcement Ceremony at the Satria Pertiwi Complex, which was broadcast live via Ukas Channel, today.
The Premier described the approach as an effective way to move away from cash-based assistance, citing the success of State aid programme, Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), channelled through SPay Global, which have enabled rural residents to adopt e-wallet usage and participate in the digital economy.
He said ASSAR could play a key role in helping rural Sarawakians invest and earn returns through the retail investment market, including by saving proceeds from agricultural activities such as durian farming.
“If they earn income from farming or business, they can save those proceeds in ASSAR and receive dividends. In the end, they benefit both from their harvest and from their investments,” he added.
Abang Johari also highlighted ASSAR’s ongoing efforts to expand service accessibility, including collaborations with Service Sarawak to provide counter services at Urban Transformation Centres (UTCs) in Sibu and Miri, with Sarikei next in line.
He said ASSAR has also leveraged the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (mySRBN), provided by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), to roll out mobile office services in suburban and rural areas, supported by district offices as well as community leaders and village heads.
“These initiatives must be continued and expanded. We want more innovative, people-friendly and efficient service delivery, especially in rural areas,” he said.
The Premier expressed confidence in ASSAR’s restructured fund management and called on the institution to continue safeguarding the trust of the Sarawakian public while broadening the State’s savings culture.
He also urged Sarawakians to continue supporting ASSAR’s investment products and initiatives as part of a collective effort to build a more sustainable financial future.
“As an institution established for the people of Sarawak, ASSAR deserves our continued trust. With forward-looking development policies and digitalisation, I am confident that Sarawak’s and Malaysia’s economy will continue to grow,” he said. — DayakDaily
